No trip to San Diego would be complete without seeing SeaWorld San Diego (13). It is set on 189 beautifully landscaped acres along the sparkling shores of Mission Bay Park. As you might expect, SeaWorld has something to offer everyone. This fun-filled marine life park features thousands of fascinating ocean creatures including killer whales who star in the visually stunning "Believe" Shamu show, as well as penguins, sharks and colorful fish. Plus, they have polar bears, beluga whales and walruses at Wild Arctic.

New in the summer of 2011 is Sea Turtle Bay. This 300,000-gallon aquarium is home to hawksbill and green sea turtles and thousands of tropical fish. You'll also find a game called Race to the Beach, a touch screen map where you can learn about sea turtle tracking and a new ride.

SeaWorld's newest dolphin show is the spectacular "Blue Horizons" which features energetic bottlenose dolphins, magnificent pilot whales and a rainbow of exotic birds. They also have a hilarous sketch-based sea lion and otter comedy show called "Sea Lions LIVE."

The park offers other exciting attractions such as Journey to Atlantis, a water coaster; Shipwreck Rapids water rapids ride; Sesame Street Bay of Play, a whimsical children's play area with three family-friendly rides along with Sesame Street character meet-and-greets. Also, don't miss the Penguin Encounter featuring more than 250 penguins.

SeaWorld is open year-round and hours vary based on the season. Admission is ($69.99) for adults; ($61.99) for children; children under 3 are free. Be sure to use their discount coupon for $6 off admission. For more information call (800-257-4268) or visit their website. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

One of Mission Bay's most picturesque areas is Quivira Basin (12). Once a small boating pier, it has grown into a beautiful resort area that is perfect for daytime activities. You'll find boat brokerage firms, beautiful marinas, restaurants and a luxurious hotel. A local favorite at Quivira Basin is Sportsmen's Seafood Restaurant (12) at 1617 Quivira Rd. (619-224 -3551). People love this place for the casual dining and romantic marina views. They also have a fresh fish market here.

Mission Bay's thriving residential areas lie to the west and north of Mission Bay, forming three separate communities. They are Pacific Beach to the north, North Mission Beach and South Mission Beach. North Mission Beach and South Mission Beach are separated by West Mission Bay Drives. Each community has its own unique characteristics.

South Mission Beach consists of a one-mile stretch of white sandy beach on both the ocean and the bay. During the summer, it's one of the liveliest spots in the city. The residents are mainly college students, school teachers and professionals. Here too is Hike Bike Kayak Sports (11) at 8191⁄2 San Fernando Pl. (858-488- 5599). This is a great place to rent beach gear including kayaks, paddle boards, surfboards, boogie boards and bikes. They also offer kayak tours, bike tours, instruction and more. Call for reservations. Present their coupon for $10 off per person on any tour or $5 off any rental.

The northern boundary between South Mission Beach and North Mission Beach is Belmont Park (10) at 3190 Mission Blvd. (858-488-1549). It's an oceanfront family amusement park. Their main attraction is the rip-roaring Giant Dipper Roller Coaster. It has been a landmark since 1925 and is visible for miles.

North of Belmont Park is North Mission Beach. Like South Mission Beach, it consists of a wide assortment of beach and bayfront houses, condominiums and apartments clustered between walkways and one-way alleys. Plus, it has delightful little shops and a great landmark restaurant.

You'll find lots of bike paths on the ocean and bay sides of Mission Beach. A good place to rent bikes, surfboards with free surf lessons with every surfboard rental, boogie boards, kayaks, stand up paddleboats, wet suits and more is Cheap Rentals (9) at 3689 Mission Blvd. near the corner of Mission Boulevard and Santa Clara Place (1-800-941-7761). Be sure to mention their ad for a 15 percent discount!

On the west side of the street is the landmark restaurant called Saska's Restaurant (8) at 3768 Mission Blvd. (858-488-7311). This family-owned restaurant has been a local favorite since 1951. Fresh local seafood selections are offered along with delicious daily specials. Hungry diners will rave about their 16- oz. sirloin steak called The Duke. Don't overlook their bacon-wrapped f ilet mignon. It's also a winner. They serve dinner till 1 a.m. on Fri. and Sat. and till midnight Sun.–Thurs. Be sure to use their twosomes dinner hour discount coupon for up to $16 off your dinner. $10 Lunch Entree & Beverage Special. They have a great weekend brunch, too. Valet parking is available.

Sushi lovers will definitely want to visit their Saska Sushi Restaurant (8) (858- 488-7255) next door. Dine outdoors on their enclosed patio or at their 10-seat sushi bar. Either way, you'll enjoy this dining discovery.

Here too is The Mission (9) at 3795 Mission Blvd. (858-488-9060). Breakfast is their specialty and you won't find a better breakfast anywhere. They also have locations in North Park and East Village. Use their coupon for 50% off One Entree.

To the north of Mission Beach lies Pacific Beach, which is the largest of the communities encompassing Mission Bay. In fact, most of Mission Bay's 47,505 residents live in the thriving residential areas of Pacific Beach. This coastal community combines the relaxed, casual lifestyle of a Southern California beach town but also has all the advantages of city life, including easy freeway access and fine local dining.

For more information on living in Pacific Beach visit Discover Pacific Beach (2) at 1503 Garnet Ave., (858-273- 3303). They are open Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

The main north–south thoroughfare in Pacific Beach is Mission Boulevard. Along this major thoroughfare you'll find memorable restaurants, casual beach bars, grocery stores, real estate offices and lots of beach town shops.

At night Pacific Beach becomes the beach area's best nightlife scene. Locals, college students and young professionals (between 21 and 27 years) make up most of the crowd who come here on Friday and Saturday nights to party, primarily along Garnet Avenue. If you don't have a designated driver, be sure to take a cab. A cab company with a fleet of cars is Yellow Cab (619-234-6161).

Pacific Beach's newest way to eat, drink and mix is The BeachWood (7) located at 4190 Mission Blvd. (858-750- 2512) in the Promenade Shopping Center, which is also home to The Eggery and Tony Roma's so you know this place has got to be good. Here on three floors are three different venues of beach-going fun. The top floor is a rooftop cocktail lounge like nothing you've ever seen with unbeatable views of the beach and ocean. The second floor is a great place for dining and socializing. On the ground floor is Reds Saloon. They are open daily.

Celebrating 24 years in business as a local favorite for breakfast and lunch is The Eggery, Etc. (7) at 4150 Mission Blvd., Suite 121 (858-274-3122). It's in the Promenade Shopping Center, a half block from the ocean. A real winner is their West Coast Benedict (poached eggs with turkey, avocado and hollandaise). Their meals are served in a charming country setting by attentive servers. Also fabulous are their Bloody Marys and screwdrivers. They're open daily for breakfast and lunch 7 a.m.–2 p.m.

Here too is the awesomely popular Tony Roma's (7) at 4110 Mission Blvd. 170 Mission Bay (858-272-7427). They are known worldwide for their mouthwatering baby back ribs. Yet, no less satisfying are their sensational steaks, fresh seafood and savory chicken entrées. Plus, they proudly serve great local beers from San Diego's best breweries. And several times a month they feature live entertainment while you dine. Come to Tony Roma's and enjoy the food and fun. It's open daily from 11 a.m. till 9 p.m., and until 9:30 p.m. on weekends.

Rubicon Deli (17) at 3819 Mission Blvd. (858-488-DELI) is well-known for their loaves of bread that are baked fresh daily. With a loyal following and two locations to serve you, expect to see more locations popping up around the county, because it’s more than just a sandwich shop, it’s a place to hang out and meet and greet friends old and new.


Pacific Beach also offers impressive dining destinations with great ocean views. Right on the beach at the boardwalk is The Green Flash (6) at 701 Thomas Ave. (858-270-7715). This local favorite is open daily for breakfast and serves fine seafood and beef selections for lunch and dinner. Seeing the green flash at the instant the sun goes down is another compelling reason to dine here.

Yes, the The Pacific Beach Shore Club (5) at 4343 Ocean Blvd. (858-272- 7873) serves delicious-tasting food, but it's the lively bar scene that has put it on the map as the liveliest place to see and be seen. Being located directly across the street from the beach with an unobstructed view is also a big attraction. And for a limited time only, print their coupon for 25 percent off your entire bill.

Next door is Segway of Pacific Beach (7) at 4150 Mission Blvd., Suite 141 (858-270-2881). It's open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Explore Mission Bay and Pacific Beach on a Segway.

Garnet Avenue comprises the main shopping district in Pacific Beach. From the beach eastward is where you'll find the top boutique swimwear shop, casual beach bars, tattoo parlors, beauty salons and plenty of excellent restaurants.

Serving home-style food since 1979, the Broken Yolk Café 1851 Garnet Ave. (858-270-9655) is a favorite among local San Diegans and hungry visitors alike. With a strong dedication to good food and equally good service, the Broken Yolk has built a reputation for its large menu, ample portions and freshly-made flavor. With over twenty different omelets plus a large variety of breakfast favorites including pancakes, waffles and French toast, Broken Yolk satisfies even the heartiest of diners - all in a clean, comfortable and casual atmoshpere.

Caffe Bella Italia (2) at 1525 Garnet Ave. (858-273-1224) is one of those great San Diego restaurants in south Pacific Beach that locals love. A memorable main course selection is the Linguine alla pescatora sautéed with garlic and white wine. Another is the Filetto al Barolo, which is a tantalizing filet mignon in a delicious Barolo reduction. Their menu also includes several gluten free pizza and pasta options.

On the corner of Garnet Avenue and Cass Street, is where you'll find the latest international trends and styles in swimwear fashion. And it has been voted #1 swimwear store by 10 News' A-List. It's SunSplash Swimwear (4) at 979 Garnet Ave. (858-581-3400). Their amazing selection of more than 200 name brands in quality swimwear is the largest selection in San Diego. Featured are bikinis, one-pieces, separates, D-cups, beautiful resort wear and more. Their trained swimwear specialists will help you find the perfect fit to flatter your figure.

Most Pacific Beach locals shop at Pacific Plaza Shopping Center (3). It encompasses the two blocks on Garnet Avenue between Jewell and Lamont streets. This neighborhood shopping center is anchored by a Vons supermarket, a Longs drugstore and lots of restaurants.

If you love beaches, romantic sunsets, and attractions for the whole family, the Catamaran Resort and Spa is the San Diego hotel that will cater to all your needs. They are San Diego's premier accommodation destination whether you want a waterfront getaway or a fun-filled family vacation.

The Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa is a four-star hotel that is located in Mission Bay, an aquatic preserve in San Diego, California. Decorated to match the bright and festive hues of this waterfront oasis, each has been decked with luxury bedding and linens, designer furniture inside and out, and an open and airy feel that welcomes in the rays and the breezes.

Paradise Point Resort & Spa is a private 44-acre island tucked away on gentle Mission Bay, minutes from the heart of downtown San Diego and adjacent to the famous SeaWorld Adventure Park. This San Diego luxury resort features comfortable, California beach bungalow-style guest rooms amidst lush, tropical gardens and meandering lagoons.

Enjoy the picturesque natural beauty of the Bahia Resort Hotel. They offer an unparalleled family vacation destination, with anexquisite bay setting and location in San Diego.

Experience the beautiful Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina - San Diego, near Sea World San Diego. This resort hotel features incredible ocean views, waterfront dining, a contemporary poolside lounge and is the only hotel in San Diego with multiple water slides. Families will delight in a water playground with three new pools, a full-service marina with jet skis, sailboats, kayaks, sports fishing and whale excursions - everything you could wish for in a San Diego California resort.

Stephanie Jezek is San Diego’s preferred Realtor for buying homes in Mission Bay and Pacific Beach. Feel free to contact her via phone (858-243-3495).